One of the big stories of the year, and a perfect illustration of how Botafogo's recent success is not only the consequence of club owner John Textor's money, but also of an excellent scouting department.

Jesus started his professional career for Coritiba in the south of Brazil, featuring mainly in the second division. There, he played 10 games without a single goal in the top flight. Even so, Botafogo had him on their radar and followed him as he picked up momentum with the Dubai club Shabab Al Ahli.

He could have played for the United Arab Emirates, but the dream of representing Brazil had not disappeared. Botafogo waited for his contract to run down and then brought him home on a free transfer. He debuted for them, a virtual unknown, in late July. And by October, he was Brazil's first-choice centre-forward. Textor describes him as "the perfect striker." He is quick and mobile enough to chase the long ball into the channels or behind the opposing defense.

Igor Jesus played a key role to help Brazilian club Botafogo win their maiden Copa Libertadores title. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Jesus is strong enough to hold up the ball with his back to goal. He is sufficiently skillful and clever to feature in the build-up play. He can score in the air and off either foot. And as the gruelling last few weeks of the season showed, he can put in a defensive shift. In the final of the Copa Libertadores, after Botafogo had a man sent off in the first minute, Jesus chased, blocked, marked and did everything in his power to make life easier for his team. The goals dried up towards the end of the year, but that didn't make his contributions any less important.

So what happens now: cash in quickly or keep him for the Club World Cup? West Ham United appear to be very interested in a deal in this current window given their needs for quality up front.